Vertical venetian blind construction



Dec. 21, 1965 A. J. TOT] ETAL VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 21, 1960 INVENTOR. Andrew J. Tori BY Carlo J. Tori ELM/WWW Attorneys Dec. 21, 1965 A. J. TOTl ETAL VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 21. 1960 2-; Z -l I INVENTOR.

s. y .n Mm 0 T w m M J w m d r a AC W Y B Dec. 21, 1965 A. J. TOTl ET AL VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 21, 1960 INVENTOR. Andrew J. Tori BY Carlo J. Tori Attorneys Dec. 21, 1965 A. J. TOTl E 3,224,490

VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION Filed March 21, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 b E v co INVENTOR: N Andrew J. Tot:

Carlo J. Tori Attorneys Dec. 21, 1965 o ET AL -VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 21, 1960 s .u R n m T n n E 0 W wJ m I W J. /l A m 0 4 H n a 3 A mm Y4/J B mm 0 Two mm Va:

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Dec. 21, 1965 011 ETAL 3,224,490

VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION Filed March 21. 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Andrew J. Tori B Carlo J. Tori l 1 INVENTOR.

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Attorneys Dec. 21, 1965 TOT] ET AL VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Shet 7 Filed March 21, 1960 INVENTOR. Andrew J. To? y Carlo J. TOfi Attorneys United States Patent ()fifice Patented Dec. 21, 1965 3,224,490 VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTIO Andrew J. Toti and Carlo J. Toti, both of 507 H St., Modesto, Calif. Filed Mar. 21, 1960, Ser. No. 16,217 15 Claims. (Cl. 160-168) The present invention relates generally to blinds for windows or doors and relates particularly to Venetian blind constructions which include a vertically arranged slat structure which may be traversed to a position extending fully across a window or door opening or retracted to a folded position in which the window or door opening is substantially unobstructed.

Vertical slat Venetian blinds have been undergoing considerable development in recent years because this type of blind has the important advantage over horizontal slat blinds in that vertical slats are not subject to the collection of dust. Also, blinds which incorporate vertical slats are more effective in controlling the entrance of light into a room than are horizontal slat blinds because the vertical slats thereof may be effectively rotated to adjust to the direction of the rays of light so that adequate light may be admitted to a room while at the same time the direct rays of the sun which would prove uncomfortable to the occupants of the room or result in damage to furniture or rugs may be stopped.

The present invention relates particularly to traverse type Venetian blinds the slat structure of which comprises one or more separate series of slats which are to be extended between or retracted toward opposite portions of the casing of a window or door opening. However, contrary to the construction employed with many presently available types of vertical blinds, the subject construction does not require or employ a bottom guide track for the lower extremities of the individual slats. Such bottom tracks are generally undesirable because of the unattractive appearance presented thereby, particularly when the blinds are folded in the retracted position, and because of the cleanliness problem presented thereby in that accumulation of dust and dirt in and around such a track is difficult to prevent even by the most fastidious housekeeper or janitor. Heretofore, such bottom tracks were widely employed to impart stability and resistance to sway to vertical blind constructions.

In summary, the subject invention relates to a vertical Venetian blind construction of the traverse type which includes novel means for supporting the individual slats of the blind structure and which includes slat stabilizing means for the lower extremities of the slats so that a bottom guide track is unnecessary. The subject invention also comprises a self contained blind operating mechanism including movable facia and decorative end gates whereby the construction may be rapidly and decoratively mounted in a window or door opening and with which the operating mechanism is hidden from view from either side as well as from the ends of the blind construction. The invention further includes novel slat structure and means for connecting slats with the supporting structure or stabilizing means employed, whereby neat and uniform folding and unfolding of the slat structure is insured.

With these general features of the subject invention in mind, objects thereof include the provision of a novel suspension system for series of vertical slat traverse Venetian blinds; the provision of novel mechanism for movably supporting the decorative facia of the blind construction and correlating movement thereof in direct response to rotation of the blind slats for precluding light entry into a room; the provision of novel blind stabilizing and actuating means; the provision of novel slat structure as such which is well adapted for use in the overall blind construction hereof; and the provision of a novel method for supporting and actuating blind slats. These and other objects will become apparent to one skilled in the art from a study of the following description in which reference is directed to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the vertical Venetian blind construct-ion of this invention with the slat structure thereof traversed across a window or door opening and showing generally the stabilizing means for the slat lower extremities.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale of the traverse mechanism and facia construction of the blind taken in the plane of line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial vertical section of the traversemechanism and facia construction taken in the plane of line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the blind construction taken in the plane of line 44 of FIG. 2 and showing details of the decorative end gate.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the traverse mechanism and facia construction of the blind.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the facia longitudinally moved from the position of FIG. 6 in correlation with rotation of the blind slats.

FIG. 7 is a partial vertial section of .one end of the blind construction taken in the plane of line 77 of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are elevational views on a reduced scale illustrating a preferred embodiment of the slat supporting structure and stabilizing means employed with this invention.

FIG. 10 is a cut away side elevation of a blind slat illustrating its secure engagement with the slat supporting structure and stabilizing means.

FIG. 11 is a horizontal sectional view through a slat taken in the plane of line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partial side elevation of a modified slat construction illustrating engagement thereof with the slat supporting structure and stabilizing means.

FIG. 13 is a horizontal section through a slat taken in the plane of line 1313 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 12 showing the manner of supporting and stabilizing intermediate slats of a series which are free of direct engagement with the slat supporting structure.

FIG. 15 is a horizontal section taken in the plane of line 1515 of FIG. 14.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate means for supporting slats from an overhead track.

FIGS. 18 through 20 illustrate modified means for stabilizing the lower slat extremities.

FIGS. 21 through 24 illustrate modifications of means for engaging slats with the slat supporting structure or stabilizing means.

FIG. 25 illustrates a modified construction for supporting or stabilizing a series of slats.

FIG. 26 illustrates another modified construction for supporting or stabilizing a series of slats.

FIG. 27 is a partial side elevation of a blind slat supported in the manner shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a plan view taken in the plane of line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 26 which illustrates a slightly modified construction which may be incorporated therewith.

FIG. 30 is a partial vertical section taken in the plane of line 30-30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a partial side elevation of a slightly modified construction generally similar to the construction of FIG.

FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate details of a modified nonmetal slat construction.

FIG. 34 is a more or less schematic view on a reduced scale of a blind slat which includes means engageable with the tracks of the blind traverse mechanism for supporting intermediate slats of a series when the slat structure is extended.

Referring to FIG. 1, in general this invention relates to vertical Venetian blinds of the traverse type which desirably include two relatively movable slat series which may be moved relative to each other and to opposite portions of the casing of a window or door opening. That is, the slat series may be traversed to the extended position shown in FIG. 1 or retracted in the direction of the arrows shown to a folded position in which each slat series lies compacted closely adjacent an opposite portion of the casing of the window or door opening so that the opening is substantially unobstructed. When in the extended position shown in FIG. 1 the individual slats are rotatable about their respective parallel vertical axes so that the entry of light or direct sun rays may be precluded to any desired degree or so that visibility through the slats may be cut 011. Such slat rotation may be effected by pullcord actuated mechanism desirably of the type hereinafter described.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated blind construction comprises a slat structure which includes two relatively movable slat series 1 and 2 each of which is made up of a plurality of discrete slats S which are operatively interconnected in the manner to be described. The slat structure is supported by and depends from supporting structure operatively connected with extensible and retractable traverse mechanism positioned interiorly of the movable decorative facia construction generally designated 3 which includes at each of its opposite ends decorative end gates 4.

At its lower end, each series of the slat structure is provided with stabilizing means 6 of one of the preferred types hereinafter discussed. The purpose of such stabilizing means is to operatively and substantially rigidly interconnect adjacent slats of a series so that individual slats may not sway toward each other when the slat structure is extended and so that the slat structure as a whole can more readily withstand the effects of wind currents directed thereagainst which tend to provide side sway and slat chatter. Such stabilizing means also precludes the need for a bottom guide track for the slats as is frequently employed with other blind constructions. Pull-cords designated generally 7 are positioned at one or opposite sides of the blind for regulating and effecting traverse movement of the slat series and for rotating the blinds about their vertical axes.

As shown in FIG. 2 the entire blind construction, including the traverse mechanism, decorative facia, and slat supporting structure, may be mounted by means of screws 10 or other suitable fasteners extending through a mounting bracket 11 into the top or side of a window or door casing. In FIG. 2, a bracket 11 is shown which combines overhead and side mounting structure for securing the blind construction in a recessed window or door casing. It should be understood, however, that the blind construction may be mounted directly to a vertical portion of a wall in which instance the overhead portion of the mounting bracket would be unnecessary. Alternatively, if the blind is to be positioned in a window or door opening which has only an overhead supporting structure accessible, the side portion of the mounting bracket 11 will be unnecessary. As many and varied mounting brackets are available, the particular bracket construction employed is generally a matter of choice, with the following important exception; irrespective of whether a side bracket or overhead bracket is employed, the same is to be provided with bent fingers 12 which are struck from the horizontal overhead portion 13 of the bracket in which the gear mechanism 14 for efiecting slat rotation is slidably engaged as shown in FIG. 2.

As mentioned previously, the facia structure 3 of the blind is movable in direct correlation with rotation of the respective slats about their vertical axes. It is an important and novel feature of this invention that the opposite facia 15 and 16, as shown in FIG. 2, which make up the facia structure 3 of the blind, are directly and operatively connected to the gear mechanism 14 as will be described. With respect to the facia structure, desirably each facia comprises a preformed supporting plate 17. In the embodiment illustrated, each plate 17 is longitudinally slotted and is to be engaged by and to maintain in position a series of decorative slat elements 18 in the manner and for the purpose disclosed in Patent 2,888,983 issued June 2, 1959. If the blind construction is mounted so that each of the opposite facia 15 and 16 is visible, for example when the same is mounted in a window so that one facia is visible from inside a room and the other facia is visible through the window from the outside of the building, slats 18 desirably are mounted on both facia plates. However, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 the back facia 16 is not visible so that such decorative slats 18 may be omitted therefrom. Alternatively, however, the supporting plates 17 may themselves be of a decorative nature so that the use of such slats can be omitted if so desired.

Irrespective of the particular construction of facia plate 17 employed, the same is to be directly and operatively connected with the slat rotating gear mechanism so that slat rotation is accompanied by corresponding longitudinal facia movement. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6 an inverted L-shaped bracket 21 is connected by rivets 22 or the like to each facia plate 17 and each such bracket is in turn pivotally connected by headed pins 23 or the like to a transverse horizontally arranged link 24.

Link 24 is in turn non-rotatably connected by means of pins 26 and screw 27 to a rotatable gear wheel 28 for rotation therewith. A worm gear 29 is meshed with gear wheel 28 to effect rotation thereof as will be described.

Gear wheel 28 is rotatably mounted on a pivot pin 31 depending from a bracket mounting member 32 slidably engaged with the bent fingers 12 of the blind supporting bracket 11 described previously. Suitable bearings 33 are provided on member 32 for rotatably supporting worm gear 29. See FIGS. 5 and 6. Aforementioned screw 27 is threadably engaged with pivot pin 29 for maintaining link 24 operatively engaged with gear wheel 28. It should be understood that upon rotation of WOImI 29 in a predetermined direction gear wheel 28 is also rotated in a predetermined direction which in turn causes; pivotal movement of link 24 about the axis of pin 31 to cause movement of the facia 15 and 16 in opposite longi-- tudinal directions. Such longitudinal movement of the opposite facia will also result in their movement toward or away from each other in generally parallel planes. In this regard,'a comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates that relative longitudinal movement of the facia in opposite directions in response to pivoting of link 24 also has resulted in the facia being drawn toward each other. It

is this movement of the facia toward or away from each other which produces slat rotation as will be described.

To effect rotation of gear 28 for moving the opposite facia as described, worm gear 29 is operatively connected by a connector 36 to an actuating rod 37 (FIGS. through 7) which has a pulley wheel 38 secured to an end thereof at one end of the blind construction. A pull-cord 39 is passed over pu'lley 38, which cord forms part of the cord structure 7 generally shown in FIG. 1. An operator pulling on one or the other reaches of the cord may effect rotation of rod 37 in a given direction which in turn causes movement of the facia in a predetermined direction for effecting rotation of the respective blind slats about their vertical axes.

It should be understood that several gear mechanisms for moving the facia as described hereinabove desirably are mounted by brackets 11 in series along the length of the blind construction and are operatively connected with the facia at spaced locations therea long. So that all slats of the slat structure may be rotated in unison, means are provided for interconnecting one gear mechanism with an adjacent mechanism spaced therefrom. A connector 41 is operatively engaged with aforementioned worm gear 29 at the end thereof opposite previously mentioned connector 36. Between such connector 41 and the worm gear of the adjacent mechanism extends an operating rod 42 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As a result of this operative interconnection, upon pulling of operating cord 39 each gear mechanism of the blind construction, irrespective of how many are desirably employed, may be actuated in unison to cause facia movement for effecting slat rotation.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 through 7, actuating rod 37 on which cord sprocket 38 is mounted desirably rotatably extends through a small inverted L-bracket 43 bolted or otherwise secured in operative engagement with a modi fied mounting bracket 44 secured by fasteners to the door or window casing. In this manner, the sprocket 38 is securely supported against the downward pressures exerted thereon when cord 39 is pulled by a blind operator.

A further important and novel feature of the movable facia construction disclosed herein is illustrated specifically in FIGS. 4 to 7. This feature embodies a decorative hinged gate structure 4 at each end of the blind construction, each of which comprises interfitting and relatively slidable gate sections 46 and 47 each of which is pivotally hinged as at 48 in any suitable manner to an end of each of the opposite facia plates 17. As shown in FIG. 7, gate section 46 is slightly larger than gate section 47 and is provided along its upper and lower extremities with bent over flange portions 49 which loosely and slidably receive therein the end of gate section 47. Such flange interengagement on the respective gate sections permits relative sliding movement therebetween when the facia are actuated in the manner described previously.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the importance of the opposite movable gate structures 4 will become apparent in that such movable gates at all times and irrespective of the relative position of the facia and 16 hide from view the gear and rod operating mechanisms and the bracket structure contained between the opposite facia. Such gate structure is particularly desirable when the blind construction is mounted on a vertical wall of a room when the ends thereof are readily visible.

With this invention it is preferred that the slats of each series are supported directly by the aforementioned arrangement for movably mounting the facia 15 and 16. As a result of this preferred arrangement, movement of the facia as described previously will result in rotation of the individual slats about their vertical axes in correlation with movement of the facia laterally toward or away from each other. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 each of facia 15 and 16 is provided along the length thereof and adjacent its bottom with a generally horizontally extending track member 56 each of which is riveted or otherwise secured directly to the facia plates 17. Alternatively, however, tracks 56 could be secured to the bottom ends of the respective brackets 21 on which facia plates 17 are mounted.

Additionally, an overhead track member 57 extends the length of the blind construction and is secured in position by means of the aforementioned screws 27 which maintains links 24 in operative engagement with the respective gear wheels 28 of the respective gear mechanisms spacedly located along the length of the blind construction. While overhead track member 57 may be employed with an alternative blind embodiment for operatively and supplementally supporting individual slats of the slat structure as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, its primary purpose is to provide track means in which a slat actuating slide member 58 of the traverse mechanism is slidably mounted as shown in FIG. 7. The traverse mechanism itself is cord operated as shown in FIG. 6 and is of any conventional and well known construction, the operating cord 59 of which is generally retained in overhead track 57. Because the traverse mechanism broadly does not fall within the invention, it will not be specifically described herein, it being sufficient to note that upon pulling in a given direction on traverse cord 59, which forms part of aforementioned cord structure 7 shown in FIG. 1 and which passes over side-by-side pulleys 60 as shown in FIG. 6, slide member 58 of the traverse mechanism will be moved in a predetermined direction as desired along track 57 to cause extension or retraction of the slat series relative to each other to or from the position shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 7 desirably a depending pin 61 extends rotatably downwardly from slide member 58 and on such pin a vertically slidable yoke 62 is retained by means of a retaining pin 63 connected thereto. Yoke 62 desirably has a slot 64 extending a predetermined distance thereinto from its bottom end so that the yoke may be slidably rnoved relative to the retaining pin 63. In this manner, slide member 58 may be operatively connected with the first slat in a series by sliding yoke 62 over the upper extremity of such slat as shown in FIG. 7 and in phantom lines in FIG. 2. Movement of slide member 58 thereafter will effect extension or retraction of the slat structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 11 which illustrate a preferred embodiment of one slat series and the slat supporting structure and stabilizing means employed therewith, reference will first be directed to the slat supporting structure 66 operatively engaged with the upper extremity of each slat of the slat series. While with this embodiment it should be noted that the blind stabilizing means 66' operatively engaged the lower extremity of each slat of the series is of the same construction as the upper supporting structure, such situation is not essential and the slat supporting structures and stabilizing means disclosed hereinafter may be used interchangeably and in various combinations if so desired.

As shown in FIG. 8 aforementioned traverse slide member is movably carried in overhead track 57 and is operatively connected by yoke 62 with the first slat S in the slat series. This figure shows the slide member 58 being extended so that the slats are traversed from the folded or retracted position to the extended position schematically shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but illustrates the slat series being folded by slide member 58 from the extended position to the retracted position. It should be noted that alternate slats of the series are of two different lengths for the purpose to be described, with every other or intermediate slat being shorter than the slat lying on either side thereof.

It is an important feature of the manner in which the slat series is supported that only each long slat is directly supported by slides or rollers in the opposite side track members 56. That is, each short or intermediate slat of the series is free of direct sliding contact in the supporting tracks employed so that eachsuch short slat is free to move in a vertical direction relative to the tracks 56 when the slat series is extended or retracted. The long slats which are directly engaged by means of slides or rollers with the tracks of the slat supporting structure are slidable therealong but are not vertically movable relative thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 desirably each slat S is of curved cross-sectional configuration and is operatively engaged with a two part slat carrier 67 by means of a curved brace 68 which has at each of its opposite ends integral upstanding and depending pin projections 69. These pin projections are pivotally engaged in apertures of spaced parallel horizontal extensions 70 of a preformed U-shaped pivot plate 71 of the slat carrier 67. An L-shaped stop plate 72 is spaced from but directly connected with pivot plate 71 with the leg of stop plate 72 underlying the bottom projection 70 of plate 71.

Desirably, each slat of the series is supported by a similar pivotal slat carrier arrangement so that each slat may be rotated about its vertical axis when it is desired to block out light as described previously. However, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, it should be noted that only every other slat carrier of the series, commencing with the carrier attached to the aforementioned first slat of the series, is operatively and directly engaged by means of a slide 73 in each of the opposite side track members 56 attached to facia and 16. While in the drawings rectangular slides 73 having opposite sliding grooves therein are illustrated for engaging every other slat carrier with the tracks, it should be understood that roller wheels also may be advantageously employed if desired. The term slides as used herein is intended to apply to roller wheels also.

It should be noted that off-center pivot pins 74 extend in a generally horizontal direction through each slat carrier 67 and connect together stop plate 72 and pivot plate 71 of the sla-t carrier. Such pivot pins additionally provide means for mounting slides 73 in operative position with each slat carrier which employs such a slide as shown to the left of FIG. 11.

Extending between and pivotable on the pivot pins which form part of adjacent slat carriers of the supporting structure is a rigid pivotal link 76. Each link 76 is arranged so as to be pivotally movable in a generally vertical plane about the respective horizontally extending pivot pins 74. When the slat series is traversed to its extended position as is shown partially in FIG. 8, the respective links between adjacent slat carriers move to a substantially horizontal position and rigidly brace and hold adjacent slats extended and separated from each other. It should be specifically noted that the pivot pins 74 of adjacent slats of the series, when the series is extended, lie in two separate and vertically spaced horizontal planes. That is, referring to FIG. 8, the pivot pins of every long slat which are directly supported in the track members 56 are aligned with each other and lie in a first horizontal plane while the pivot pins of the intermediate short slats which are free of direct engagement with the track members 56 lie in a different horizontal plane which is vertically spaced from and located above the first mentioned horizontal plane. Such vertical spacing is effected by reversely arranging the slat carriers 67 of adjacent slats so that the legs of the stop plates 71 alternately lie above and below the pivot pins as will be discussed hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 12 to 15. This staggered pivot pin feature is very important in effecting proper folding of the blind series from the extended to the retracted position.

Departing briefly from the supporting structure 66 at the upper end of the blind structure, reference is directed to the stabilizing means 66' at the bottom of the blind structure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 11, the stabilizing means 66 is identical to the above described slat supporting structure 66 with the following exception; stabilizing means 66' does not employ slides 73 in that no bottom track members are em ployed with the subject blind construction. That is, the 'bottom slat structure hangs freely and is supported from :the respective slat carriers of the slat supporting strucmm 66. Similar reference numerals are employed for similar parts in the supporting structure and in the stabilizing means.

The function of stabilizing means 66 is to rigidly and operatively interconnect adjacent slats of the series when the slats are traversed to the extended position to minimize the swaying eifects of wind on the slats either as an operative unit or individually. Additionally, the stabilizing means insures proper and compact folding of each slat of the series when the series is retracted so that a neat and compact arrangement attractive to the eye is provided. This is in distinction to many prior art devices in which traverse blinds when retracted are more compactly folded at their top ends than at their bottom ends so that an unsightly fan shaped appearance is presented.

These advantages are made possible as a result of the supporting of only every other slat of the series and by pivotally interconnecting adjacent blinds with rigid links as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 8, when the slide member 58 of the blind traverse mechanism is moved to the right carrying therewith the first long slat of the series, because such slat is pivotally connected by a link 76 to an adjacent short slat which is free of direct connection with track member 56 and is accordingly located with its carrier 67 above the carrier of the first slat, such adjacent short slat is pulled downwardly and to the right from its folded position to lie with its bottom end substantially in alignment with the lower extremity of such first slat. The top extremity thereof then lies below the top of the first slat of the series. This slat in turn acts through another link 76 to pull another long slat to the right, which in turn acts on another short slat. A chain reaction due to the interconnecting links 76 of the supporting structure is effected until all slats are moved to the traversed position with the respective links 76 substantially horizontally arranged. When fully traversed, the adjacent long and short slats have their bottom extremities aligned while the top extremities are staggered.

Because the intermediate short slats are supported solely by the link arrangement of the slat supporting structure, suitable stop means are provided on the respective slat carriers 67 or links 76 so that the links cannot pass through the horizontally arranged position, as shown in FIG. 8. In the embodiment shown, such stop means is provided by the horizontal leg of each stop plate 72 against which an edge of a link 76 engages when the slats are extended. Because each slat carrier 76 attached to each short slat has its stop shoulder arranged above pivot pin 74, such short slat is rigidly supported by engagement of the two links pivotally connected with each such short slat with the stop shoulder of the short slat carrier. In this manner the links are effective to maintain the lower extremities of each slat of the series, whether the same is supported directly by the track members or not, in substantial alignment so that a neat appearance is presented. It should be remembered, the upper extremities of the slats are hidden from view by the aforementioned facia construction so that the staggered relation of the slat tops is not visible.

Referring now to FIG. 9, retraction of the slat series from the extended to the folded position results in each short slat which is free of direct contact with the track members 56 being moved Vertically due to the action of the respective links 76 as traverse slide member 58 is moved to the left in such figure. In this connection, the fact that the pivot pins of the unsupported slats lie in a horizontal plane above the plane in which the pivot pins of the supported slats are located results in the intermedi- 9 ate short slats being moved upwardly and to the left as shown in phantom lines to the left of FIG. 9 in response to lateral pressure being applied to the respective links 76 by the adjacent long slats in response to movement of the traverse slide member 58.

It should be particularly noted that as the slat carrier 67 of each short slat in the upper slat supporting structure 66 is moved upwardly during slat retraction, because of the direct connection of each such carrier through the slat itself to a corresponding slat carrier in the stabilizing means 66' attached to the lower extremity of each short slat of the series that each such slat is pulled upwardly thereby drawing together the two long slats on either side thereof. In this manner, compact folding of the respective links of the stabilizing means is insured so that a neat and uniformly folded slat pack is insured.

Similarly, when the slat series is moved to the extended position as shown in FIG. 8, the weight of each short slat acts on the links pivotally connected thereto so that the links of the supporting structure and of the stabilizing means are extended their full length to the generally horizontal position shown so that a neat and fully extended condition is insured both at the top and bottom of the slat structure when the blind is traversed to the extended position.

With prior art constructions which employed stabilizing means in which links were pivoted in a generally horizontal plane about pivot pins arranged vertically, the weight of the respective blind slats and the longitudinal rigidity of the respective slats cannot perform the useful function effected by the short slats included in the slat supporting and stabilizing arrangement disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 15, details of the aforedescribed slat carrier construction of the slat supporting structure 66 and stabilizing means 66' is shown on a somewhat enlarged scale. FIGS. 12 and 13 show such a slat carrier attached to a long slat of modified construction in which both the top extremity 81 and bottom extremity 82 of each long slat S is cut away so that the supporting structure 66 and stabilizing means 66 is mounted to be substantially flush with the lateral edges 83 and 84 of the slat. FIGS. 14 and 15 are similar to FIGS. 12 and 13 and illustrates the similar modification of the upper and lower extremities of the short slats of the series which are free of direct contact with the track members 56 as illustrated. A comparison of FIGS. 12 and 13 with FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrates the reverse positioning of the stop shoulders of stop plates 72 of the slat carriers 67 on the respective long and short slats of the series.

By mounting the slat structure in a pair of opposite track members 56 secured to the opposite facia plates 15 and 16 as described previously, a quite rigid construction is provided which precludes any substantial side sway of the slat structure when extended. For this reason, use of such a mounting arrangement is preferred. However, if desired as noted previously, the series of slats also may be mounted to depend from the overhead track 57 in which the traverse slide member 58 is slidable. In this connection, reference is directed to FIGS. 16 and 17 in which such an overhead mounting arrangement is illustrated. With this construction, every other slat of the series (each long slat) is provided adjacent its top with a hole 90 through which is extended a hook member 91 which in turn is pinned or otherwise secured to a slide 92 movably engaged with overhead track 57. As with the previously described embodiments, only every other slat is thus directly engaged with a track member so that the intermediate or short slats are effective to function in the manner described previously.

FIGS. 18 through 20 illustrate modified means for stabilizing the lower extremities of a series of slats. It should be noted however, that this modification also is capable of functioning in the same manner as that described previously so that intermediate short slats of the series may move from the extended position when the 10 bottom extremities of the same are in substantial alignment with the bottom extremities of the long slats to the vertically raised position in which such first mentioned extremities lie above the bottom extremities of the long slats.

Such modified stabilizing means comprises a series of rigid links 96 which are pivotally interconnected by a series of horizontally extending pivot pins 97 by means of a small connecting part 98 bent at each of its opposite ends around a pivot pin 97. As shown in FIG. 20, each slat has attached thereto by interengaged tongue and groove means to be described a curved mounting brace 99. Such brace has at its lower end a lateral extension 101 which is connected by means of a vertical pivot pin 102 to aforementioned connecting part 93. Pin 102 loosely connects extension 101 and part 98 so that each slat S is free to rotate about its vertical axis relative to links 96 to shut out light as described previously and as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 19.

As shown in phantom lines in FIG. 18, when the slat structure is retracted, each short intermediate slat of the series is free to be moved vertically upward and to the left in response to the upward pulling action imparted to each intermediate slat by the upper-supporting structure engaged with the traverse mechanism. In this connection, any suitable supporting structure disclosed herein may be employed with this modified stabilizing means. As noted in solid lines in FIG. 18, when the slats are traversed to the extended position, links 96 extend rigidly and substantially horizontally between adjacent slats and securely interconnect the same to prevent relative movement between adjacent slats and to limit side swaying when the slats are subjected to wind. The principal distinction of this modification over that described previously is that the links 96 are foldable to lie directly between adjacent long slats as shown in FIG. 18 rather than along the side edges of the long slats as is true of the construction of FIGS. 8 to 11.

Referring to FIG. 20, it should be noted that a secure interengagement is effected between brace 99 and the slat lower extremity by means of a generally keyhole shaped slot 103 provided adjacent the slat end. Brace 99 is provided with oppositely directed tongues 104 (see FIG. 19) which are insertable into the enlarged portion of slot 103 and which are slidably positionable in the restricted portion thereof. Brace 99 also is provided at its bottom with spaced shoulders 106 which extend in the direction opposite from aforementioned extension 101 which are to be engaged with the end of the slat to preclude accidential disengagement of the tongues 104 from the slot 103. While other means may be employed for connecting together the brace and slat extremity, the means illustrated is preferred because of the secure interengagement afforded thereby.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 through 24, various modifications are disclosed of means for securely interengaging a slat extremity with a brace member of a slat carrier of a predetermined supporting structure or stabilizing means of this invention.

Referring first to FIGS. 21 and 21a, details of the interengagement between a brace and a slat of the type illustrated and discussed previously in FIGS. 10 and 11 is shown. In such an arrangement the slat S is provided at each of its lateral edges at a location spaced from its end (whether upper or lower) with an inwardly directed notch 111. The brace member 68 to be employed therewith is provided with a pair of laterally spaced tongues 112 struck therefrom which are to be lockingly engaged in notches 111 with the slat being flexed in a transverse direction whereby a secure interengagement resistant to accidental displacement is provided as shown in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 22 and 22a illustrate a modified tongue and groove interlocking arrangement in which a modified brace 113 is provided with two pairs of deflected tongues 114 each pair of which is to be engaged in one of a pair of keyhole slots 115 provided adjacent the upper or lower extremity of a slat.

FIGS. 23 and 23a show a modified construction similar to that shown in FIGS. 22 and 22a in which only one keyhole slot 116 is provided adjacent a slat extremity to be engaged by a single pair of deflected tongues 117 provided in a brace member 118. With this construction, a shoulder 119 also may be provided on the brace member to engage the slat and to preclude accidental disengagement of the tongues and slot.

FIGS. 24 and 24a illustrate use of a keyhole slot 120 adjacent and directed toward a side edge of a slat in yet another possible modified construction for operatively interengaging a slat with a supporting brace. This construction is to be employed with a brace member having tongues 121 and a stop shoulder 122 struck therefrom adjacent its side edge to engage the slat edge. Obviously, other modifications for slat mounting brace constructions also may become apparent to a person having skill in the art.

FIG. 25 illustrates a modified slat supporting structure but it should be understood the construction shown may be employed at the bottom of the slat series as a slat stabilizing means as well. In the modified construction shown, each slat is supported by any one of the brace arrangements described previously, the brace of which in turn is pivotally connected in a slat carrier 67 of the type described previously with respect to FIGS. 8 to 11. A slide 73 which is to be carried in a track member is mounted on a pivot pin 74 operatively engaged with each long slat of the series. As with the prior construction described herein, each short intermediate slat is free of direct engagement with a track member. Rigid links 123 are pivotally connected between adjacent slats of the series by means of aforementioned horizontally extending pivot pins 74 extending in offset relation through the slat carriers 67. It should be noted that carriers 67 are reversed in their position in adjacent slats so that the pivot pins of adjacent slats are located in different horizontal planes relative to each other for the purpose described previously.

Each link 123 is provided adjacent its end with an integral stop 124 which is to be engaged with the stop shoulder provided by the bent flange 125 of each carrier when the slats are extended. In this modified arrangement stops 124 on the links are so arranged that the stops engage flanges 125 before the links move to the fully horizontal position. However, as shown in FIG. 25, the links are positionable in substantially horizontal position so that a substantially rigid arrangement is provided.

An important feature of the modification of FIG. 25 is embodied in the particular link construction shown therein in that as illustrated the links do not overlap each other, I other than at their remote ends, when the 'sl-at series is retracted. As a result, scratching or other marring of the respective links which might result if the links were slightly distorted is precluded. This is an important factor, particularly when the construction shown is employed as a stabilizing means at the bottom of a blind series in that it is contemplated that the links and slat carriers may be decorated to blend with the particular color or decorative treatment imparted to the individual slats. Because no overlapping is present between adjacent links, the danger of scratching or marring of the links which might damage the decorative coating or treatment thereof is precluded.

FIGS. 26 to 28 show a further modification of the sup porting structure or stabilizing means which may be employed with this invention. In certain respects this embodiment is similar to the construction described in FIG. 25 in that non-overlapping links are employed so that link scratching or marring as above mentioned is preeluded.

As shown in FIG. 26, every other slat of the series illustrated may be supported on an overhead track 57 by 12 means of slidable hooks 91 as described previously or every other slat of the series may be slidabljy supported in opposite side tracks 56 in which slides 73 are to be positioned. The exact supporting means in this regard is a matter of choice. A I

Modification of the construction shown inFIGS. 26 through 28 resides primarily in the construction of the slat carrier 1 31 employed. Such carriers, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, are each of one piece pre-fo'rnied construction and include a pair of spaced inwardly extending vertical flanges 132, the edges of which provide stops to be engaged by the edges of respective links 133 which operatively interconnect adjacent long and short slats. That is, each carrier is provided with spaced plates 134 and 136 between which the respective links are mounted for pivotal movement on a pivot pin 137 extending therethrough. The links are pivotable in a generally vertical plane about the horizontally extending pins 137 so that the links which are connected to the long slats which are directly engaged with the track member come to rest with their bottom edges contacting the tops of the flanges 132 mentioned previously.

In this latter regard, it should be noted that the carriers 131 are reversed on adjacent slats so that the inturned flanges 132 of each carrier connected with a short slat which is free of direct connection with a track member has its edges downwardly extending so that the upper edge of the respective links adjacent their ends are engageable with such flange edges for maintaining the slats rigidly spaced when the slat series is extended. With this construction, the links are to be arranged in the fully horizontal position when the slats are extended. Because of the oifset arrangement of the adjacent pivot pins produced by reversely arranging alternate slat carriers, transformation of the slat structure from the extended to the retracted position may be readily effected as described previously.

As shown in FIG. 27, desirably the slats are snap-lockingly engaged with a brace member 138 having pairs of tongues 139 struck therefrom which are received in spaced keyhole slots 141 adjacent the slat upper extremity, Brace 138 has shoulders 142 engageable through other slots 143 adjacent the end of the slat to preclude separation of the tongues 139 and the keyhole slots 141.

In FIGS. 29 through 31, a slat stabilizing means generally quite similar to that described previously with respect to FIGS. 26 through 28 is illustrated, with the modification thereof being found principally in the construction of the slat carriers 146 employed therewith. As shown in FIGS.

30 and 31, each such carrier is of one piece construction and comprises opposite plates 147 and 148 between which non-overlapping links 149 are pivotally mounted on a horizontal pivot pin 151 extending therethrough. With the carriers illustrated link engaging stop shoulders 152 are provided therein by reversely bending one or the other of the plates 147 or 148 so that a planar edge of the respective links may rest thereon as shown in FIG. 29. Small pivot tabs 153 are bent from each carrier which are engageable with pivot pins 69 of a slat brace 68 as shown in FIG. 30.

With this construction it should be appreciated that alternate slat carriers are reversely arranged so that the carriers attached to long slats have their shoulders 152 arranged to contact the bottom edges of the links 149 7 while the carriers attached to the short vertically movable 1.3 the side edges of the slat. Also, an interengaged tongue and keyhole arrangement similar to that described previously with respect to FIG. 27 is employed therewith.

While normally and preferably the individual slats of the subject blind construction are made from decorative and generally rigid yet flexible materials such as sturdy plastics or sheet metal, slats formed from supple materials such as nylon or other cloths also may be employed herewith. However, if the slats are made from supple material which is of an extensible or stretchable nature, it is desirable to provide therewith means which will preclude such stretching to insure proper operation of the blind construction during traverse movement thereof. Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, a double faced cloth slat 160 having two plies of material 161 and 162 sewed or otherwise secured together adjacent their edges is provided. To preclude deformation by stretching or otherwise of such slat, a rigid metal or plastic slat stitfening rib 163 is stitched or adhesively maintained between the slat plies. If such a stifiening rib were omitted, repeated transverse movement of the short intermediate slats repeatedly subjects such slats to tension which could result in stretching of the short slats which would preclude proper retracting operation of the device thereafter. For this reason a stiffening rib is desirably incorporated in cloth or like supple non-metallic slats to preclude stretching thereof.

While normally the short slats which are free of direct contact with a track member require no additional means to support the same, if desired, means may be employed which, when the blinds are traversed to the extended position, can be engaged with the top of the side tracks 56 for cooperating with the slides 73 in supporting the slats. As shown in FIG. 34, each intermediate short slat may be provided with laterally extending lugs 166 which form part of the slat carrier and which are engageable with the top curved surfaces of the spaced tracks 56 to support the intermediate slats when the blind construction is extended. Such an arrangement protects the slat structure from damage should the bottom of the slats be pulled by a child or the like or accidentally during cleaning. With this arrangement, it may be desirable to employ suitable spacers 167 between the facia plates 17 and the tracks 56 to preclude any possibility of lugs 166 becoming jammed with the blind supporting bracket arrangement employed. It should be understood, however, that such lateral lug construction is not necessary under normal operating conditions and is merely an additional safety feature included as an adjunct to the primary invention.

While preferably the links and slat carriers of the various slat supporting structures and the stabilizing means disclosed have the various components thereof made from inexpensive and readily formable sheet material such as aluminum, if desired colored or clear plastic materials which are easily and readily moldable to intricate shapes may also be employed, the exact material chosen being determined to a large extent by the nature and location of use of the blind construction.

While various modifications for the components of the subject blind construction have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other varied arrangements which may become obvious to one skilled in the art also are contemplated within the purview of this invention and the same should be interpreted in light of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a traverse type vertical Venetian blind construction which includes a series of vertically arranged blind slats, and means for rotating said slats about their respective vertical axes and for traversing said slats between a retracted position in which said slats are maintained in a neat pack with the vertical axes of adjacent slats located closely adjacent each other and an extended position in which the vertical axes of adjacent slats are spaced from each other: the improvement in conjunction with said means for rotating and traversing said slats, of means for supporting said slats so that at least certain slats of said series are movable in a vertical direction during traverse movement of said slat series between said retracted and extended positions; said supporting means including track structure supportable in an opening in which said Venetian blind construction is to be positioned, slide members engaged with said track structure and operatively connected with said slats of said series, and pivotal link structure in conjunction with said slats of said series for maintaining adjacent slats spaced from each other when said slats are in said extended position and for actuating said vertically movable slats during traverse movement of said slat series.

2. In a traverse type vertical Venetian blind construction which includes a series of vertically arranged blind slats, and means for rotating said slats about their respective vertical axes and for traversing said slats between a retracted position in which said slats are maintained in a neat pack with the vertical axes of adjacent slats located closely adjacent each other and an extended position in which the vertical axes of adjacent slats are spaced from each other: the improvement in conjunction with said means for rotating and traversing said slats, of means for supporting said slats 'so that at least certain slats of said series are movable in a vertical direction during traverse movement of said slat series between said retracted and extended positions; said supporting means including a track member supportable in an opening in which said Venetian blind construction is to be positioned, and pivotal link structure in conjunction with said slats of said series for maintaining adjacent slats spaced from each other when said slats are in said extended position and for actuating said vertically movable slats during traverse movement of said slat series, said link structure including a series of slide members engaged in said track member, said slide members being pivotally connected with certain preselected links of said link structure in such a fashion that rotation of the slats of said series about their respective vertical axes in all traverse positions is not inhibited thereby.

3. The Venetian blind construction of claim 2 in which said link structure includes lug means for engaging said track member to assist in firmly supporting said vertically movable slats when said slat series is traversed to said extended position, said lug means being free of engagement with said track member when said slat series is in said retracted position.

4. In a traverse type vertical Venetian blind construction Which includes a series of vertically arranged blind slats, and means for rotating said slats in unison about their respective vertical axes and for traversing said slats between a retracted position in which said slats are maintained in a neat pack with the vertical axes of adjacent slats located closely adjacent each other and an extended position in which the vertical axes of adjacent slats are spaced from each other: the improvement in conjunction with said means for rotating and traversing said slats, of means for supporting and stabilizing said slat series in a manner which permits at least certain slats of said series to move vertically upwardly during traverse movement of said slats between said extended position and said retracted position; said supporting and stabilizing means comprising a track member supportable in an opening in which said Venetian blind construction is to be positioned, pivotal link structures in conjunction with said slats at locations adjacent the upper ends thereof and spaced from the upper ends thereof, and a series of slide members engaged in said track member, said slide members being pivotally connected with certain preselected links of said link structure which is located adjacent the upper ends of said slats; each of said link structures comprising a series of rigid links pivotally interconnected between each adjacent pair of slats of said series along the longitudinal edges thereof, each of said links being pivotally connected with such slats for movement in a generally vertical plane during traverse movement of said slat series, said link structures permitting rotation of said slats of said series about their respective vertical axes in all traverse positions of said slat series.

5, The Venetian blind construction of claim 4 in which at least one of said link structures includes stop means in r conjunction therewith to positively preclude pivotal movement of the links of said one structure to thereby limit movement of said vertically movable slats when said slat series is traversed from said retracted position to said extended position.

6. The Venetian blind construction of claim 4 in which the slats of said series are divided into two groups, the slats of a first group being longer than the slats of a second group, such long and short slats being alternately arranged in said series so that a short slat is positioned between each pair of long slats, each of said short slats being vertically movable during traverse movement of said slat series.

7. In combination in a vertical Venetian blind construction which is traversable between extended and re-' tracted positions, a series of vertical blind slats, track structure supportable in an opening in which said Venetian blind construction is to be positioned, slide members engaged with said track structure and operatively connected with said slats of said series, and pivotal link structure in conjunction with said slats of said series for maintaining said slats spaced from each other, said pivotal link structure including a series of rigid links operatively connected between adjacent slats of said series along longitudinal edges thereof, adjacent pairs of said slats having at least one link therebetween which is resistant to lateral pressure thereon for maintaining each such adjacent pair of slats positively spaced when said slat series is positioned in its extended position, said links being pivotal in a generally vertical plane during traverse movement of said slat series.

8. The Venetian blind construction of claim 7 in which said link structure includes stop means in conjunction therewith to restrict pivotal movement of the respective links thereof within predetermined limits.

9. The Venetian blind construction of claim 7 in which each of the links of said link structure is pivotal in a generally vertical direction about a pivot pin which extends generally in a horizontal plane when said construction is mounted in its operative position, the pivot pins for a first group of slats of said Series lying in generally the same horizontal plane which is located above an other horizontal plane in which the pivot pins of the remaining slats lie.

10. The Venetian blind construction of claim 7 in which adjacent links of said link structure are generally free of overlap with each other in all traverse positions of said slat series.

11. The Venetian blind construction of claim 7 in which each slat of said series has a cut away portion along a longitudinal edge thereof, the links of said link structure being operatively engaged with the respective slats in the cutaway portions thereof so that said link structure does not project laterally beyond the longitudinal edges of the slats of said series.

12. In a traverse type vertical Venetian blind construction which includes a series of vertically arranged blind slats, supporting means including a track member and slides interposed between said track member and said slats in such a manner that atlea'st certain of said slats are supported for movement in a vertical direction during traverse thereof, and means for rotating said slats in unison about their respective vertical axes and for traversing said slats between a retracted position and an extended position: the improvement in conjunction with said means for supporting and said means for rotating and traversing said slats, of means for stabilizing the lower end of said slat series without interfering with vertical movement of said certain slats of said series during traerse movement of said slat series between said retracted and extended positions; said stabilizing means'comprising extensible and retractable pivotal link structure pivotally connected with said slats of said series adjacent said lower end thereof, said link structure being generally unafiected by lateral pressure exerted thereon and on said slats when said link structure is extended, said 'link structure including individual links pivotally interposed between and maintaining adjacent slats positively spaced'from each other when said slats are in said extended position; said link structure being pivotally retractable in direct response to vertical movement of said certain slats sothat said adjacent slats may move toward each otherduring traverse movement of said slat series from said extended position to said retracted position.

13. In a traverse type vertical Venetian blind construction which includes a series of vertically arranged blind slats, means for supporting said slats so that rotation and traverse movement thereof may be effected and so that at least certain slats are movable in a vertical direction during traverse movement, and meansfor rotatingsaid slats in unison about their respective vertical axes and for traversing said slats between a retracted position in which said slats are maintained in a neat pack with the vertical axes of adjacent slats located closely adjacent each other and an extended position in which the vertical axes of adjacent slats are spaced from each other: the improvement in conjunction with said means for supporting said slat series and said means for rotating and traversing said slat series, of means for stabilizing said slat series; said stabilizing means comprising pivotal link structure pivotally connected with said slats of said series at a location spaced from the upper ends thereof for maintaining adjacent slats spaced from each other when said slats are in said extended position, the pivotal connections between said slats and said link structure permitting rotation of said slats about their respective vertical axes without interference from said link structure in all traverse positions of said slats.

14. In a traverse type vertical Venetian blind construction which includes a series of vertically arranged blind slats, means for supporting said slats so that rotation and traverse movement thereof may be effected and so that at least every other slat is movable in a vertical direction during traverse movement, and means for rotating said slats in unison about their respective vertical axes and for traversing said slats between a retracted position in which said slats are maintained in a neat pack with the vertical axes of adjacent slats located closely adjacent each other and an extended position in which the vertical axes of adjacent slats are spaced from each other: the improvement in conjunction with said means for supporting said slat series and said means for rotating and traversing said slat series, of means for stabilizing said slat series; said stabilizing means comprising pivotal link structure in conjunction with said slats at a location spaced from the upper ends thereof, said link structure .comprising. a series of rigid links pivotally interconnected between each adjacent pair of slats of said series for maintaining such slats positively spaced from each other when said slat series is in said extended position, the pivotal connection between said links and slats permitting rotation of said slats about their respective vertical axes without interference from said links in all traverse positions of said slats.

15. The Venetian blind construction of claim 14 in which said links are pivotally connected with said slats along edge portions thereof, said slats being rotatable about their respective vertical axes without interference from said links, said links being pivotal in a generally vertical plane during traverse movement of said slats between said extended and retracted positions.

(References on following page) References Cited by the Examiner 2,888,983 6/1959 Toti 16038 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,891,613 6/1959 Latham 160-176 1,721,998 7/1929 Jackson 160-159 2905237 9/1959 Clark 160*176 2,534,673 12/1950 Holland 160--236 2,590,204 3/1952 Phillips 160236 5 FOREIGN PATENTS 2,652,111 9/1953 Walker 160168 117,589 1901 Germany- 2,707,993 5/1955 Null l60168 2,756,815 7/1956 Turkowski 16O 166 HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examlner.

2,759,534 8/1956 Harju 160168 GEORGE A. NINAS, JR., BENJAMIN BENDETT, 2,849,063 8/1958 Achler et a1. 160-166 10 Examiners. 

1. IN A TRAVERSE TYPE VERTICAL VENETIAN BLIND CONSTRUCTION WHICH INCLUDES A SERIES OF VERTICALLY ARRANGED BLIND SLATS, AND MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SLATS ABOUT THEIR RESPECTIVE VERTICAL AXES AND FOR TRAVERSING SAID SLATS BETWEEN A RETRACTED POSITION IN WHICH SAID SLATS ARE MAINTAINED IN A NEAT PACK WITH THE VERTICAL AXES OF ADJACENT SLATS LOCATED CLOSELY ADJACENT EACH OTHER AND AN EXTENDED POSITION IN WHICH THE VERTICAL AXES OF ADJACENT SLATS ARE SPACED FROM EACH OTHER: THE IMPROVEMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH SAID MEANS FOR ROTATING AND TRANSVERSING SAID SLATS, OF MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID SLATS SO THAT AT LEAST CERTAIN SLATS OF SAID SERIES ARE MOVABLE IN A VERTICAL DIRCTION DURING TRAVERSE 